Contentions

Let me be clear: The United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. That is a goal shared by Palestinians, Israelis, and people of goodwill around the world. That is a goal that the parties agreed to in the road map and at Annapolis. That is a goal that I will actively pursue as President of the United States.

We know the road ahead will be difficult. Both Israelis and Palestinians must take steps that are necessary to build confidence and trust. Both Israelis and Palestinians, both must live up to the commitments they have made. Both must overcome longstanding passions and the politics of the moment to make progress towards a secure and lasting peace. . .

What “steps” has Israel failed to take in pursuit of a “road map” designed peace? What commitments has it reneged on? None. Yet the Palestinians have literally failed to reach “Phase I” of the road map, which requires that they “undertake visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt, and restrain individuals and groups conducting and planning violent attacks on Israel anywhere,” and launch “effective operations aimed at . . . dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.” Moreover, the only “longstanding passion” held by the overwhelming majority of Israelis is a passion to be left in peace. Is the president sure he wants Israelis to “overcome” that?

I guess for Obama, deciding on the moral soundness of each side is just another one of those “false choices.”